As a lead up to the Universal Religion 2012 Edition, we are going to be releasing exclusive interviews with your favorite artists. Some of them you may have seen before, some you shall have the joy of catching this April in Nepal ! This is simply a space to “Know Your Artist”, the person behind the music and the soul behind the sound.
This week we bring you one of the greatest imports for intelligent and raw dance-floor power from Israel, U Recken. Playing at Universal Religion, Nepal for the first time, Yaniv’s sound promises to give one of the most memorable and powerful sets of the festival. Read on to find out more …
What got you into Dj’ing, any early inspirations?
When it all started, it was way different then today. For getting one good track you had to sometime travel the whole day just to record a track on DAT. I was lucky to have good connected friends with good music so it was only natural to go on stage and play it.
Your sound is raw and powerful, can you tell us your inspiration behind some of your tracks, like Northern Lights and The Island?
Northern Lights was Written during the war In north of Israel few years ago when you could look outside and see the lights of the bombs. The Island is funny story. It’s a bit long but maybe worth it. One time I called a service for changing my Laptop screen, was completely broken, so they sent this hippie guy to fix it, but the “pro” technician came without a screwdriver. I drove with him to the shop and on the way he was playing this world music with African singing and the flutes. Immediately the inspiration came so I took the samples from him and later that night The Island was written. The dude was nice, he fixed the Screen for free 😉 seems like inspiration is coming from above.
Do you remember the first tune you ever produced?
I started recording when i was 14 years old, but my first trance tune was released on an Australian Label under the Title “Man on the Edge” impossible to find this track and not sure I have a copy myself
What news of your new releases—are we hearing some of that sound in Nepal?
The close circle know that I have a lot of new music and I am always playing it during gig. There’s a lot going on this year: Album, E.P.s, Tree of Life festival Compilation, its gonna be interesting so stay tuned.
When will we have the U Recken sound grace the dancefloors of Goa?
No idea-Ask Nishan 😉
The Psychedelic Trance scene has changed in the last decade, for the better or worse?
The scene is Growing every year and it’s simply a great thing. Music wise I like the old music better, back then it was the gift of the few and the style was more story-telling which I love. The good thing is that today you can really get a high level of production, and basically everyone can express themselves easily.
The best place you ever played in …
S.O.S. festival Japan 2008,Right after Boom festival: the location, the hospitality, the artists and the crowd, great experience. I know Nepal is going to deliver as well 😉
What are the musical items you cannot live without?
I am not attached to any material things what so ever…great to have but never get attached 😉
Tell us a little bit about the yellow stone ring on your right index finger!
Hhhhhh came by surprise this one. There are a lot of powerful things in this world that help us to make the most out of our selves. According to Indian astrology, each sign has a special stone that needs to be on a specific finger in order to amplify our good qualities. Mine is a yellow sapphire which I also got in India thanx to my dear friends Ankit and Sejal. This stone connects you to Jupiter, the star of wisdom and success, and makes you much more focused and determined to act.
Some thoughts on the association with Digital Om and your coming to play at Universal Religion in Nepal for the first time?
Digital OM does great work and they also helped a lot with our Tree of life festival so I’m really happy to be part of this growing family and see a long collaboration with them in the future as well.
How do you unwind when you’re not playing or at the studios, any favourite pastime?
I like cooking and watch a movie at the same time. There’s some other things but it’s not for writing.. 😉
What was the hardest thing for you to learn as a producer?
My music was never complicated with syntheses. Seriously there are much better brainiacs out there. Hardest and most enjoyable part is too keep it real and unique ..
What is the weirdest thing you have ever put in your mouth!!
Nothing, I’m Jewish And I don’t eat any weird things. Only good healthy organic food, speaking of food, Indian Kitchen ROCKSSSSSSSSS.
Your top tune that’s current?
Slipping into Darkness from the upcoming Album
Tell us a little bit about your journey with your baby, your very own festival, Tree of Life in Turkey?
Wow, what an experience that has been … First of all it is VERY demanding work that takes the majority of my days now. But the more you put yourself into something the more you get joy seeing the results. I must say that its even bigger joy then doing a great gig on stage, because here you are not a part of many artists on a line up… Here you create the WHOLE experience from scratch!!! And its nothing you should take lightly… So ladies and Gents, give LOVE to your nearest promoter, which is one hell of a hard job! We are preparing something really great here–you don’t want to miss it!!
Check out more on U Recken :
http://www.facebook.com/urecken
http://soundcloud.com/u-recken
Check out information on Universal Religion at:
http://www.facebook.com/universal.religion.nepal
Courtesy Priya Sen
universalreligionartists 